About the Initiative:

Friends Like You. Friends Like Me. is an educational community outreach initiative of Children's Specialized Hospital, designed to help educate children about autism spectrum disorder and provide the tools necessary to facilitate friendships among children. This program encourages recognition of children's similarities, reinforces the common desire to be accepted and have friends, demystifies autism in an age-appropriate manner, and promotes inclusion, respect, and friendship between children of all abilities in all facets of their lives. Use these materials and resources to encourage understanding and acceptance and to reduce intimidation and bullying.

Educational Film:

This enlightening video explains ways to educate children about autism spectrum disorder. It offers strategies and resources to encourage interactions and friendships in school environments as well as in the general community. School administrators, students, and professionals share ideas and strategies to facilitate positive peer relationships and friendship development.

Friendship Booklet:

The challenges and behaviors related to autism spectrum disorder are difficult for many people to understand. For children and teens, it can be even more difficult. Children with ASD do not naturally learn how interpret social action, pretend play, or play with peers. These skills need to be directly taught. As a result, it is often difficult for these children to join their peers in shared leisure activities. Typically developing peers often are unsure of why kids with ASD act differently, which may result in rejection and isolation. This booklet educates and helps to reduce fear and uncertainty. It provides children and teens with ways to include children with ASD.

Supplemental Materials:

Here you will find list of childrens' books to help them learn more about ASD and friendship. Adults can benefit from a list of videos, articles and websites to help facilitate friendships among children. You will also find a list of practical tips to encourage positive social interactions in school settings, recreational programs, with sports teams, or any groups involving children or teens. Choose from many activities including ideas for child/teen discussion, research topics, and public service projects to support increased understanding and acceptance.